Reduced loads in a .357 Maximum?

[selmerfan]

Ok. So I’m probably ignoring Occam’s Razor here, so I’ll go ahead and ask the question. Have any of you done less-than-maximum loads with your .357 Maximum? I’m launching them from an 18” MGM barrel on my TC Encore in pistol configuration. Here’s the scenario:
17 y/o daughter wants to hunt deer here in Iowa during late muzzleloader season. Doesn’t like the muzzleloader at all. Likes shooting my K38s and is good with them. I normally use my .357 Max TC Encore in pistol configuration setup for late season muzzleloader because Iowa permits the use of pistols during this season. Yes, it’s weird.
However, I load it up as a 200 yard gun, launching the Ranch Dog 190 gr RNFPGC at 2000 FPS. It’s not a light load. Not as unpleasant as the .454 Casull I used to use, but I don’t want it to beat her up either.
I’ve ordered a Witt clamp on muzzle brake for us to try out with the max loads. But I’d also like a loaded down option if she hates the brake.
So should I be trying 9-11 gr of Unique with that boolits out of the .357 Max case or just using that boolit in a .357 Mag case and using regular magnum loads? I’m not a huge fan of using cases shorter than the chamber, hence the question.
Thanks for your input!


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[chutesnreloads]

I load 38 special loads in 357mag brass all the time.....can't see a problem

[Bull-Moose]

I second .38 special loads.

[NSB]

I have had three .357max rifles to date. Right now it’s a 24” and 20” Encore with MGM barrels. I have had excellent results loading down the Max loads to .357mag levels....even “light” mag levels. I would not use shorter cases to get lighter loads. It’s not necessary and accuracy will not be as good. I have two full spreadsheets of load data for the .357max using a lot of different powders and bullet combinations. I don’t know if you’re fixed on using cast bullets, but I have one load I can suggest that shot 1moa I all three guns of mine and it’s very mild. It’s a 158g JHP with 20.0g of Rel7 and a small rifle primer. You can pretty much load any .357mag load in the Max case with about the same level of performance also.

[selmerfan]

I’m not fixed on cast boolits, but don’t have much for jacketed in stock other than the 180 gr Speer spire point and I’d rather use that at full velocity to ensure expansion. The Ranch Dog works great of deer for me and I’d love to stay with it. My gut tells me to stick with .357 Max brass. I think I have some RL7 in stock. Would mind sharing your data? If not, email is pastorwillie.rosin@gmail.com


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[NSB]

Sent you an email.

[MT Gianni]

I have had real good targets with the 358627 and 12 gr 2400. It isn't a light load but it is reduced recoil from the stompers sent fast.

[bedbugbilly]

I had a 357 Handi Rifle - the chamber was deep. I never had it reamed to 357 Max though.

I shot everything in it - 38 Short Colt, 38 Long Colt, 38 Special, 357 Mag.

Anyway - I had the chance to pick up some Starline 360 DW brass (360 Dan Wesson) - this brass is same dimension in diameter, etc. as 38/357 but the length is longer than a 357 Mag and shorter than 357 Max. It allowed me to still use the 358-158 SWC that I liked to use in the Hand, but, get the boolit closer to the bore. It worked well. What I'm getting to in a round about way, is the I often "downloaded" (used reduced loads) in the 350 DW brass and had good results. You should have no issue in reducing your load in the 357 Max - but like anything new - load up some sample loads to see what you end up with as far as accuracy and what she can handle for the recoil.

I hever load to max powder charge, as for the shooting I do, I don't see any advantage to it -- but that's me. However, I often play with reduced loads. I have a 357 Henry steel Big Boy that likes 357 brass better than 38 special - I often "download" the 357 Mag brass to reduce ed loads using 38 special specs. If you go too low - just watch out for Squibb's. I download (reduced load) 357 Mag brass for my Uberti 357 Mag Bisley SA revolver as well.

Good luck and I hope you come up with something that she will be comfortable with.

[bangerjim]

I rarely load 357's at full house loads. I use 38SP and 357MAG cases all the time with medium, light, and VERY light loads.

That is both revolvers and long guns. Lots of fun to plink and not put your shoulder out of joint.

I even make "bee" loads - with very little powder.

Same with 44MAG.

banger

[curiousgeorge]

I shoot my 357 Max cases loaded down to 6.5 grs Unique under a 170 gr 358429. Not a deer load, but pretty impressive on backyard pests. Also shoot 357 mag, 38 spl, & cases trimmed to 38 s&w length. Love that rifle.

[cwlongshot]

SO MANY OPTIONS HERE its really a NO BRAINER!!

FACTORY 357 Mag SP 150+ works WONDERFULLY!

Handloaded XTP-FP @ 1800+ is a AWESOME preforming bullet. Loaded in mag or max brass.


That 190 RD loaded down to say 1700 ish still a GREAT hunting bullet.

I have been killing deer and hogs since the late 1980's. It aint rocket science.

CW

[Dinny]

I shoot a few subsonic loads from a 357 Maximum Handi rifle. 220gr Accurate LHP, 232gr NOE WFN, unk 158gr SWC HP. Trail Boss does well but is slower than Tin Star. I plan to hunt with either the NOE WFN or the Accurate LHP this year. The WFN has excellent penetration even at just under 1100fps.

Thanks, Dinny

[nagantguy]

Load it to stout but not full house 375 mag level.
One of a million loads or possibilities that’s why I’m loving this round more everyday. And even full house loads in a Max has a much kinder recoil that a stout 44 mag so if she can handle one of two to check zero and one for shot on game ? But this Max cartridge is very versatile . Every deer I’ve shot with it and my cast loads has fallen on the shot and ran/stumbled 10-20 yards. An amazing duo of accuracy and horse power. Cant believe it hasn’t found wider acceptance.the new 350 legend seem to be selling like hot cakes and it’s not half the round as a Max.
And to the OP, good sir as a brand new member here I got a heavy 30 cal Lee mold from you that I’ve used to great success for subsonic loads in 308 and 300blk. You had it in the helping hands section and I immediately put something back- I believe a Lee FDC die or two. But thank you for helping down the road of casting!

[tomme boy]

9grs of unique and a Noe 360-183-rf gives me 1402fps avg out of my 350 Legend with a 16" ruger American ranch. Should be faster in your Encore with a longer barrel and less case capacity on the max. Shoots about 6" lower than my jacketed loads at 100yds.

The Legend is having problems because it is mainly loaded in the AR platform. You could say the same thing about the max as it is actually a rip off of the 351wsl.